Christmas, Yule, Diwali, New Year, etc

Is it the most wonderful time of the year? For over 2 years I have been on the Saturday markets here in High Wycombe. I’ve enjoyed it. However, in 2023 the markets and craft fairs/fayres encountered a down turn from which they haven’t recovered. The good news is that being on the market, involved in exhibitions and craft fayres motivated me to produce, produce and produce. The bad news is that the down turn has exhausted me. There was never a happy ever after - to use fairy tale terminology. Then this year, in the turning of the seasons, I was offered space for my own use as exhibition and pop up shop. I didn’t want to keep it all to myself, so asked 2 other artists if they’d be interested in collaborating together. It wasn’t easy but we finally agreed to work together and exhibit as Crystal Reflections. The space was amazing. I love the other artists’ work and looked forward to working together. But just like in fairy tales, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. This ending time of our year has always been a struggle with depression for me. I lived feeling that something was going to happen. And it did. Self-fulfilling prophecy! First I broke a tooth which fortunately didn’t need a crown although that probably would have been better - but finances were slim. Then while moving my paintings down to the exhibit on a flat trolley, somehow I ended down on the pavement with the paintings on top of me. How? I still do not know. I know I didn’t faint or trip so the next logical thought is that the trolley caught on a hole in the pavement and flipped over knocking me down. As embarrassing as that might be, I then found I couldn’t put any weight on my left arm. I could move it but it was painful. A kind stranger, aren’t we glad there are still those good Samaritans around, stopped and helped me up, also getting my paintings rearranged on the trolley. I was part way between home and town. Town had the hospital, so I decided to SLOWLY make my way down to town, get the paintings into the exhibit building and run over to urgent care at the hospital. Four hours later I found out I had broken it and they couldn’t set it - so another trip to the main hospital a half-hour away by taxi. Four hours there I needed manipulation to get it into the correct position and would need an operation to put a plate in place which would happen the very next day. Our exhibition was delayed a week, my colleagues had things happen in their own families and work which meant our planned days open were changed. BUT all that to say it’s been a wonderful opportunity and exhibition. As I write this we’re on the ending cusp. I’ll still have to get everything home - piece by piece with a splint still on my left arm for safety! I haven’t been able to work at my cleaning job and english lessons weren’t consistent. I have, surprisingly, had the least stressful yule tide in years! With this time to reflect and unwind, looking forward to 2025, I may change my market days to once a month, I may work on bigger and more creative pieces. I want to be able to finish at least 2 books I have been working on. And I joined a gym to try to shift this menopausal weight that doesn’t want to leave me. Needy menopausal body!! However, I am hoping for more commissions this year. I want to create for you!!! I have a clock that I’ve decided I’ll paint - what would you want on it? The possibilities are endless - hopeful - encouraging and divine. These are my words for 2025!! Thank you for your support, we artists are a needy bunch and appreciate all the encouragement we can get! Happy 2025 - may it be brighter, healthier, and meet all your needs - let’s make it a better world for all this year!